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R-122V Documentation

R-122V Awards

Royer Labs R-122V

Bidirectional Tube Ribbon Microphone

The R-122V is an active ribbon microphone with a tube amplifier circuit. In a sense, it is the tube version of the R-122.

Like the R-121 and R-122, the R-122V uses Royer’s patented “offset ribbon” design, in which the ribbon element is offset slightly toward the front of the microphone. This gives the front side of the mic higher SPL capabilities (~135dB), and creates a brighter sound from the rear of the mic. See the Royer website article “2 mics in 1” (link in sidebar).

The amplifier circuit uses a JAN “military spec” 5840W subminiature pentode vacuum tube, wired as a triode in “cathode follower” configuration. Note that the same tube and configuration are used in the Mojave MA-100, as well as the Royer SF-24V.

The mic uses a Jensen output transformer. Note that there are two transformers within the microphone — a step-up transformer to amplify the signal coming from the ribbon, as well as the Jensen transformer on the output circuit (located in the external power supply). The mic outputs an unbalanced signal to the PSU, which is balanced within the PSU by this final transformer.

The mic’s self-noise is approximately 18dBA.

The 122V ships with its power supply, a 7-pin power cable, a shockmount (Royer p/n RSM-1), a mic sock, and a wooden storage case.

It is covered by a lifetime warranty (to the original owner); the tube is warrantied for 10 years. Royer Labs’ policy for ribbon repairs is “first re-ribbon free.”